Baraka_Guru

Let's discuss edged weapons used in warfare.

An impressive specimen, of course, would be the claymore:


The average two-handed Highlander claymore, according to Wikipedia, had the following specifications:
Could you imagine using this in a war? It bloody well weighs 5.5 pounds and is over 4.5 feet long! (Comparatively, an AK-47 weighs around 8 pounds.) And unlike guns, you have to swing the damn thing. This sword was used beginning in the Middle Ages (around 1300) and had been employed in a large capacity up until the late 17th century.

I have a particular interest in swords because I find it fascinating how styles and dimensions vary nation to nation and period to period. Even their use varies. Does anyone have a fancy for any specific sword?

__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

Scorpion23

I'm a fan of this one



It's made by Cold Steel, probably one of the best knife companies out there. Only $550 too

Specifications:
Weight: 109.5 oz.
Blade Thickness: 7/32"
Blade Length: 39 7/8"
Handle: 15 3/8" long. Leather Wrapped
Steel: 1055 Carbon
Overall Length: 55 1/4"
Sheath: This Sword does not include a scabbard

longbough

Jody Samson makes this nice reproduction of the Discerner sword originally forged in 1072AD. And probable inspiration for the sword in Excalibur.





But I hope this isn't just about historically faithful items.

I dream of having a Jody Samson sword from the film Conan.
He designed and built the Conan film swords. And identical hand-crafted high-quality functional swords can be commissioned.
You can't call them reproductions because they're individually made like the original movie swords from the original studio molds. Of they cost $3,000 to $10,000 each. But I'd love to have one still:






the father's sword - actually forged in the opening credits.




The Atlantean Sword Conan gets from the crypt and uses throughout the film.

He even makes Subotai's sword and Valeria's sword as well as fur scabbards like in the film.

http://filmswords.com/conan/conanframe.htm


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"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence. Thus when my eldest son asked me what he should have done, had he been present when I was almost fatally assaulted in 1908, whether he should have run away and seen me killed or whether he should have used his physical force which he could and wanted to use, and defended me, I told him that it was his duty to defend me even by using violence." - Mahatma Ghandi

debaser

You're gonna hate me...



"Bounder Broadsword", 2005, Jody Samson

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longbough

I hate you

be my friend.

believe it or not you just pushed me to purchase for the Discerner (Excalibur). I just sent the order.

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"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence. Thus when my eldest son asked me what he should have done, had he been present when I was almost fatally assaulted in 1908, whether he should have run away and seen me killed or whether he should have used his physical force which he could and wanted to use, and defended me, I told him that it was his duty to defend me even by using violence." - Mahatma Ghandi

debaser

That is a very fine little sticker. If I was truly the inspiration for its aquisition, I am most honored.

Samson makes some great swords, but honestly it was his name that sold me on the Bounder. The guy created what is arguably the most recognizable sword in the world, and added so much to what is one of the best movies ever made.

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longbough

The price of an Atlantean or Father's sword was too steep for comfort ... but the price of the Discerner was much more reasonable for an Albion sword.

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"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence. Thus when my eldest son asked me what he should have done, had he been present when I was almost fatally assaulted in 1908, whether he should have run away and seen me killed or whether he should have used his physical force which he could and wanted to use, and defended me, I told him that it was his duty to defend me even by using violence." - Mahatma Ghandi

debaser

It is a great looking blade, but have you checked out any of his customs? He has some real beauties for sale right now, and they are much more in keeping with they style of the Conan blades...

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longbough

When I get a Conan blade I want the real deal 'cause I'll still look longingly at them if I got any less.

I want the Atlantean for sure - at around $2775 it's a tough call. But some day I will have that sword - I just shouldn't wait too long.

Excalibur from Boorman's film was another sword I lusted after since I saw the film in the theater as a kid. As an adult I even sought reproductions but, strangely, never found any. I'm glad I didn't find any cheapo made-in-Toledo reproduction.
When I saw the Discerner at Albion - that was it.
At $1665 it's a little easier to afford.

The Excalibur sword was built by Wilkinson but the designers never acknowledged the source of their inspiration.

But it's quite obvious when you see the movie sword next to the Discerner reproduction (made after old paintings when the original sword was buried with Sir Arthur David in 1683):

__________________
"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence. Thus when my eldest son asked me what he should have done, had he been present when I was almost fatally assaulted in 1908, whether he should have run away and seen me killed or whether he should have used his physical force which he could and wanted to use, and defended me, I told him that it was his duty to defend me even by using violence." - Mahatma Ghandi

debaser

You have checked here, right?

http://jodysamson.com/swords.htm

I agree that the Atlantean is the sword to have, but I think thier price is a bit out of line...

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longbough

Yeah. I saw them.

It's a tough choice to make between the ones I like. Some of them are a little too "fantasy."

I was thinking of displaying the Discerner with a green light reflecting off it.

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"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence. Thus when my eldest son asked me what he should have done, had he been present when I was almost fatally assaulted in 1908, whether he should have run away and seen me killed or whether he should have used his physical force which he could and wanted to use, and defended me, I told him that it was his duty to defend me even by using violence." - Mahatma Ghandi

debaser

You will have to post pics when you get it...

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Baraka_Guru

Hey, wow, awesome site. I didn't know all this about the Conan swords and all that. Cool stuff.

If money were no object, I'd have an armory of these things.

And although I did have history in mind when starting the thread, I am, of course, quite open to fantasy as well. Because of this!:

(Scroll it. You know you want to...)

__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

longbough

I have one of those ....

I purchased one of the Limited Anduril Swords just before Return of the King was released.
I knew there would be a run on them and found it for less than $200 online.
I forgot the number on mine but it's around #1700 of 5000 made. It's got all the certificates and is still in the box - I took it out maybe twice.
Last I checked folks were selling them on eBay for thousands of $$$.

oh crap.
The Jody Samson one-of-a-kind swords are for sale 20% off ...
I'm thinking about getting this one now:


Now I'm also thinking about one of the Samson Seaward swords:

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"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence. Thus when my eldest son asked me what he should have done, had he been present when I was almost fatally assaulted in 1908, whether he should have run away and seen me killed or whether he should have used his physical force which he could and wanted to use, and defended me, I told him that it was his duty to defend me even by using violence." - Mahatma Ghandi

Cylvre

You bastards, the last thing I need is more blades lust-after!

That being said, I already narrowed myself down to five: Faragond Leafblade, Leaf Blade, Mu Saber II, Sabre II, and Broadsword.

I've got to echo Scorpion23 about Cold Steel, too. I've been a fan of theirs for quite some time, and every year they just keep getting better.

Plan9

I need advice. I want a Cold Steel Warrior-series katana...

Can't decide on the length... options are 29" or 36" blade.

I'm over 6 foot, so I think the 36" O Katana is a logical choice.

==> http://www.coldsteel.com/88kwarser.html <==

Anybody have any advice / experience with katanas / Cold Steel?

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Whatever you can carry.

"You should not drink... and bake."

Willravel

Functionality-wise? I love wakizashis. They're light, you can use them indoors (I dare you to use a katana with an 8' ceiling) and they're easier to hide. They are an effective short range slicing weapon, and don't even have to compliment a larger blade to be effective.

Cool-wise? Yeesh. It's probably be something like the schiavana, a stabbing weapon with a basket. They look about as cool as you can get. If you're not familiar, imagine a fencing foil with a thrusting blade. It's awesome.

Plan9

True, true...

I want a two-handed weapon, though. I suppose I could get the shorter bladed katana.

Or I could learn how to use the tomahawk / knife combo Native Americans used to great success back in the early days of killin' whitey.

__________________
Whatever you can carry.

"You should not drink... and bake."

Willravel

One wakazashi in each hand. Booyah.

Fire

things to note from a blade dealer- cs swords are fairly good, the emphasis being on sturdyness over most everything- and they do build a tough blade- at over 6 foot you should do fine with the 36" blade- note however that swinging it indoors, should you ever have to, will often cost you in lamps and ceilings.......
also look at paul chen's blades.........

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Thought the harder, Heart the bolder,
Mood the more as our might lessens

Plan9

Will: Hahaha, dual swords. John Woo'd!

Fire: Thanks, bro. I appreciate your insight.

Swords are probably the most elegant weapons devised.

__________________
Whatever you can carry.

"You should not drink... and bake."

Cylvre

Nicely put. There isn't much that compares to a master wielding a well made blade. On that note: you should request Cold Steel's free demonstrative DVD. They've got some truly sick testing in there, plus kata demos with a few of the blades and even a 1-on-1 live steel demo with their Moro Barong. You've got to see the sparks fly when those things clash to believe it. Did I mention it's free?

Plan9

Thanks for comments.

Yeah, I'll probably end up getting the 36" Cold Steel "O Katana"... unless someone can convince me that a smaller one would be a better choice given my height. I suppose the difference between the standard and O models is negligible... at 7 inches of blade doesn't matter all that much indoors at close range with a two-handed sword.

I'm just thinking my height / my reach versus sword reach = balance.

But what do I know? I suppose hands-on-handle experience will help fix that.

Anybody have anything useful for me to read / do before I make a choice?

__________________
Whatever you can carry.

"You should not drink... and bake."

debaser

Check out myArmoury.com. You will get a lot of good advice there.

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Baraka_Guru

This year, Napoleon's sword was auctioned off for a value of US$6.8 million. It's gold-encrusted, and he liked the curved Arabian design because it was good at cutting off French heads. Nice.

He carried this around with him as he pushed the Austrian army out of much of Italy more than 200 years ago.

Anyone else have any historical blades they'd like to share?

__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

longbough

Behold Excalibur. Forged when the world was young, and bird and beast and flower were one with man, and death was but a dream!



OK I know it ain't history but I couldn't resist.

This is actually a 17th century Lindsey family sword on which the movie Excalibur sword was based.

__________________
"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence. Thus when my eldest son asked me what he should have done, had he been present when I was almost fatally assaulted in 1908, whether he should have run away and seen me killed or whether he should have used his physical force which he could and wanted to use, and defended me, I told him that it was his duty to defend me even by using violence." - Mahatma Ghandi

Shauk

hey have a buster sword.

darkangel79

can i have one?
anyway i want two short katana knives and a naginata (google it) and most of all two hand sickles

squeeeb

the beauty of the ninja sword, or the shorter samurai wakasashi, is they can hang on your back and not get in the way, they can be used in small tight spaces, and they are cool.

the square tsuba (handguard) of the ninja sword is good for hooking onto things.

here are mine

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onward to mayhem!

FuriousAvatar

Functionality. Beauty. I also own a katana, but no pic.

Plan9

Eerggh.

That sword-thing is really garish.

__________________
Whatever you can carry.

"You should not drink... and bake."

Baraka_Guru

It's like a sword for a geriatric Rambo.

__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

ring

I am looking for a Katana,
anyone familiar with 5160, or l-6@rc57-59,
or1086-v 1095?
anyone familiar with Japanese style claycoating?

Baraka_Guru

In Tehran on 11/12/1943, the specially commissioned ceremonial Sword of Stalingrad was presented by Winston Churchill to Joseph Stalin for his country's contribution to the war, and to commemorate the battle of Stalingrad.




Stalin, FDR, and Churchill share a laugh


Churchill presents the sword to Stalin

__________________
Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot